‘Gambling drained money meant for survival, and perpetuated poverty’

SA’S R1.5 TRILLION GAMBLING CRISIS

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

SOUTH Africa faces a gambling crisis with a staggering R1.5 trillion national turnover, as experts reveal social grants meant to alleviate poverty are increasingly being diverted to betting.

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation reports alarming statistics across all age groups and income levels, with thousands seeking help for addiction issues.

Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, executive director of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGPF), said the country’s gambling patterns reflected a complex mix of economic pressures, social influences and biological vulnerabilities.

“The National Gambling Board reported a R1.5 trillion gambling turnover. Various factors could be driving or influencing people to gamble, which may include environmental, social, psychological and biological factors,” said Simelane-Quntana.

“Environmental factors include accessibility and availability of gambling opportunities, advertising and promotional free vouchers when you open an online betting account, and socioeconomic factors such as high consumer inflation and cost of living, the high levels of unemployment, and inequality.

“Social factors could be peer influence, family environment, cultural attitudes towards gambling, learnt behaviour through socialisation, and the normalisation of betting and gambling.

“Psychological factors include personality traits, coping mechanisms, escapism, mental health conditions, and substance abuse such as alcohol and drugs,” she added.

Simelane-Quntana said gambling stimulated dopamine release at levels up to 10 times greater than natural rewards such as eating or social interaction.

“This intense surge of dopamine results in a temporary feeling of euphoria.